Punjab Kings’ Cooper Connolly celebrates his maiden IPL century. (Photo credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings youngster Cooper Connolly on Wednesday etched his name in IPL history with a sensational unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad to become the youngest ever overseas batsman to score a hundred in the tournament.The 22-year-old Australian produced a breathtaking solo performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 107 off just 59 deliveries during PBKS’s chase of 236. Despite their heroics, SRH secured an impressive 33-run victory to climb to the top of the IPL 2026 standings.
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James Hopes reacts after PBKS loss, calls it ‘reality check’At the age of 22 years and 257 days, Connolly broke Quinton de Kock’s decade-old record to become the youngest overseas centurion in IPL history.
The youngest overseas batter to reach a century in the IPL
- 22y 257d – Cooper Connolly (PBKS) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026
- 23. 122d – Quinton de Kock (DD) bt RCB, Bengaluru
- 23y 153d – David Warner (DD) vs KKR, Delhi, 2010
- 23y 330d – David Miller (KXIP) vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
- 23y 352d – Cameron Green (MI) vs SRH, Wankhede, 2023
Connolly’s unbeaten 107 also became only the second IPL century since PBKS at the age of 22, joining Prabhsimran Singh on the elite list.PBKS century at the age of 22 in IPL
- 103 – Prabhsimran Singh vs DC, Delhi, 2023
- 107 – Cooper Connolly vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026
The left-hander’s eight sixes were also the most by a PBKS batsman aged 22 in an IPL innings, surpassing his own best of seven highs earlier this season against Lucknow Super Giants.SRH bowlers derailed earlyChasing a daunting 236, Punjab’s innings collapsed almost immediately under the relentless pressure of SRH’s disciplined bowling attack.Priyansh Arya departed for one in the opener before Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed Prabhsimran Singh cheaply. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer then fell for just five after being removed by Eshan Malinga, leaving the visitors in deep trouble at 23/3 in four overs.As goals fell around him, Connolly stood tall with a fearless counter-attack. He found support from Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14), Suryansh Shedge (25 off 17) and Marc Jansen (19) but the required rate remained above 15 for most of the chase.Connolly eventually brought up his first IPL century in just 57 balls and finished unbeaten with seven fours and eight sixes as PBKS finished on 202/7.The win took SRH to the top of the table with 14 points from 11 matches, while PBKS slipped to second place after their third straight defeat.
